Updated Feb 7, 2014

Overview

Located about a 9-minute walk from the waterfront and a 9-minute drive from Victoria's city centre, Hemingways By The Sea Bed and Breakfast Inn is geared towards travellers who prefer a small hotel with a free breakfast, extended kitchen amenities and free Wi-Fi by the ocean.

Each of this smoke-free hotel's guest rooms offers free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a coffeemaker, a mini-fridge, a seating area and a private bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries. Rooms with a kitchenette, a fireplace, a CD/DVD player, a sauna and a balcony are also available, and the hotel is not wheelchair accessible.

The hotel also offers a free breakfast, free parking and tour assistance. Pets are not permitted.

Saxe Point Park is roughly an 11-minute walk away, while Market Square offers shopping 7 minutes away by car. Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt is about a 5-minute drive from the hotel and Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is a 29-minute drive away. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)

The majority of the reviews sourced for this analysis were positive, with much praise going to the hotel's staff, breakfast, rooms and location.

The hotel's staff were the source of numerous compliments by guests, who found them friendly, attentive and helpful with sightseeing tips. One patron remarked, "Ilona, our hostess, made us feel as if we were very dear friends and most graciously took care of us. Not only did she provide us with excellent, tasty breakfasts, but provided us with directions of where to park so that we could walk into town, and gave us recommendations on restaurants and things to do".

Many lodgers were impressed with the hotel's breakfast, which they described as varied, fresh, delicious and sumptuous. One guest noted, "The European style breakfast was a fantastic spread, different each day with cheese and fruit plates, variety of breads and one or even two main dishes made from fresh local ingredients, plus a great cup of coffee or tea".

Several travellers were pleased with their accommodations at the hotel. They found their rooms to be clean, quiet, spacious and luxurious, with comfortable beds and beautiful views of the Bay. A couple of patrons had complaints about their rooms, however (see below).

The hotel's location was enjoyed by several reviewers. They described it as relaxing and close to the beach, Macauley Park, downtown Victoria, grocery stores, public transit and walking trails. A couple of lodgers complained about the hotel's location, however (see below).

While the majority of reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, there were a few complaints about the hotel's location and rooms.

Although several travellers were pleased with the hotel's proximity to the beach and public transit, a couple of lodgers were disappointed with its location. They found it too far from the sea, downtown Victoria and attractions and felt the name mislead them into thinking it was closer to the sea than it was.

While the majority of reviewers praised their clean and comfortable rooms, a couple of guests criticized their accommodations. They reported dated decor and noise transfer from guests in adjacent rooms.